Ward Sentenced For Heroin Delivery

A Fulton County woman was sentenced to time in the Franklin County Jail this week for her involvement in the sale and distribution of heroin in the Mc- Connellsburg area.

Twentyone yearold Holly Jane Ward, who has addresses in Warfordsburg as well as the Cardinal Glenn Apartments in McConnellsburg, appeared in the Fulton County Court of Common Pleas Tuesday, October 15, for sentencing proceedings held on two counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count each of possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of children.

Ward elaborated in court on how she has spent the months following her arrest and incarceration in the Franklin County Jail in mid- July. Having completed a drug and alcohol class, a healthy living program and a program on parenting, Ward stated she has learned what type of person she wants to be for her two children as well as herself. She said while she felt she was a good parent, she had made some bad mistakes.

Ward added she treated her friends and family badly and wasn’t there for them as she should have been. Following her release from prison, she said she hopes to be with her children, pursue a career as an art teacher or cosmetologist and to stay away from the people who once influenced her.

Judge Krom stated even though she was glad to hear the statements Ward shared publicly, she hoped she meant what she said. Krom sentenced Ward to a total of 48 months in the Intermediate Punishment Program, which will include five months of restrictive punishment with work release in the Franklin County Jail. Credit was granted for time previously served.

Ward’s incarceration will be followed by one month of electronic monitoring as well as 24 months probation. Eighty hours of community service will be completed, and Ward will also participate in the Day Reporting Center.

Restitution in the amount of $550 will be jointly paid by Ward and her boyfriend, codefendant Dustin England Jr. She is not permitted to contact England aside from matters dealing with child custody and exchanges.

In a previous arraignment proceedings, Ward told the court she possessed and delivered heroin on two occasions to an undercover officer in exchange for cash at a Cardinal Glenn Apartment.

In addition, Ward testified on July 10 she picked up heroin in Hagerstown, Md. Travelling along with her at the time was England as well as her 4-year-old daughter. On the way back to Fulton County, they were stopped by state police and arrested.

Ward admitted both she and her boyfriend had been using heroin on the return trip. England was reportedly operating the vehicle at the time of their arrest.

Furthermore, police investigators said in charging documents Ward possessed one gram of heroin, which she attempted to put down the back seat of a patrol vehicle along with a needle.